A unique garden worth the investment
What I find so amazing about the field of landscape and gardening are the many styles and features. Homeowners can now choose from an array of garden designs to meet their every need. In the category section of this website under garden designs, you will find a list of garden projects to choose from.
In this article, however, we will be having a very interesting discussion about a garden that has and is making waves in the gardening world and that is creating a rain garden. A rain garden is not new but these are gardens that have caught the attention of many landscape designers including home and business owners.
What is a rain garden?
A rain garden is a place within your landscape or garden that has an area that is intentionally sunken or where depression is made. Because of this low-lying area that was intentionally constructed heavy rains are directed or flow to this part of the landscape which is good because this is an awesome way to direct heavy rain downpours from your home or building to this area. Some places this depression can be found are roadways, parking lots, driveways, places in the area of downspouts, walkways, etc…
The benefits of a rain garden
Here are just a few reasons why you should consider installing a rain garden.
- A rain garden can reduce garden maintenance
- Direct the flow of water so that it cannot be stagnant discouraging mosquitoes from laying their eggs
- Helps water to flow away from your home or building
- Improve water quality
- Birds, butterflies, and other wildlife are directed to this area as a natural habitat
- These garden areas are great during drought seasons
- Conserves water
- Encourages beneficial insects
- Helps with water population
- A rain garden also adds to the beauty of your garden area
Planning a rain garden
Here are the steps to take for a rain garden.
1. Find a location
The location to install your rain garden should be a low lying area that can be about 10-12 feet from your home. It is a good idea also to position your garden somewhere in the area of your downspout so as the water drains it will flow naturally into your rain garden. The location should get full to partial sun.
2. Creating a design
Like other garden types, you must create a garden design, the gold is not only to direct water away from your home but to create a pleasing design that will look natural attracting wildlife. Visualize what you want, put it down on paper this way you will have a clear picture of the whole process from beginning to the end.
3. Choosing your plants
What is a rain garden without plants, when selecting, select plants which are native? Native plants will establish quickly, plant materials such as grasses and flowering plants should be chosen which can thrive both in dry and wet conditions.
4. Laying out your rain garden
Before digging the area contact the proper authorities to inform you of any wires or pipes which may be underground. Also, lay the plants out before installing because this will give you a good visual of the finished design.
5. Working the area
Next begin to work the area by raking, shoveling, and moving debris.
6. Bringing in the soil
A rain garden should have well drain soils remember one of the main features of a rain garden is to collect water, this water that is collected needs not only to be absorbed but drain through. Adding compost to your existing soil will be of great help.
7. Plant Material
Now it is time to install your plant material, plants should be installed base on the design. Install plants at the right depth and give the proper spacing for good air circulation.
8. Watering Methods
Until rain falls you must water your rain garden. Give your plants sufficient water keeping them healthy until the rainy season starts.
9. The finishing touch
Once you are satisfied with the design it’s now time for the finishing touch. Adding mulch or river rocks gives that finished detailed look. My preference, however, is river rocks because this will compliment this type of garden seeing it is a rain garden. River rocks give a feel of the presence of water.
Maintaining a rain garden
You have put in the work and are so happy with the results but in order for your rain garden to keep its beautiful natural appearance, there is some work that must be done just like maintaining any other garden type.
Weeding
1. Weeds will compete with your garden plants for sunlight, water and nutrients so keep your garden as weed-free as possible.
Debris
2. Keep your garden free of debris, you will be amazed at how quickly debris can build-up
Mulch
3. After a while, your mulch should be replenished because mulches are natural organics besides beautifying. So giving your rain garden a fresh 3-inch layer of mulch will work wonders.
A list of rain garden plants
Here is a shortlist of plants that may interest you for your rain garden.
- Butterfly Weeds
- Swamp Milkweed
- Oxeye Sunflower
- Wild Columbine
- Black-eyed Susan
- Spotted Joe-Pye weed
The final word
Creating a rain garden has many benefits besides giving that beautiful inviting appearance. I believe these gardens can work wonders, rain gardens has and is making its mark as it is added to the list of garden designs. Why not give this garden a try? I assure you, you will be glad that you did as you bring that much-needed flavor to your gardens and landscapes.
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About the author
Norman loves being in the garden, both at home and for his job....
he is 'Natures Little helper' being outdoors, growing his vegetables and flowers from an early age.
Now having spent over 22 years in the profession he want to give some of his knowledge to others...
his vast array of hints and tips you will find scattered over this site will help you no end growing plants in your garden.
I must say that this article is very helpful and instructive. The rain garden is something that my wife desperately want but I was thinking it is hard to accomplish such a thing. We are true lovers of flowers so something like this is definitely for us. I will try to follow your guide and hope we will succeed in making this.
Daniel so, happy to see you. These gardens are pretty amazing and have so many benefits. Please let me know how it goes. Wishing you all the best of success. have a good day.
I want to commend you on this article, great work. It just increased my interest in having a rain garden. There is this ny neighbors rain garden that I use to like alot, which was when I developed interest in having one but due to time I lost interest. Reading your article now just gave me the zeal I needed to have mine. Thanks
Seyi it is so great to hear that this post has given you the motivation and I hope that you have good success with these gardens that are so great to have because the benefits are truly amazing.
Thanks for writing out this lovely article and I must say its a must for everyone t o read and digest..garden is a lovely and peaceful place to stay. Rain garden has Alot of benefits and things to consider in setting up a rain garden.the rain garden explains the maintenance such as weed control, mulch and debris. I would really love to put these things in rain garden.
thank you for the article, it’s really resourceful. Best regards
Adam these gardens are really amazing and can really give that wow. Many people are taking advantage of these gardens that has so much to offer. So happy to help.
Thank you for this educative article . My wife and I had always wanted to have a rain garden. We thought of it as a difficult thing to do. Your tips has given me more courage and has librated the fear of having a flower filled rain garden.
I tell my wife to read this post too, as I have bookmarked it. We will both follow your tips to the letters and I hope we will have a successful rain gardening.
Hello, Olalekan so happy to see you. Rain gardens are pretty unique and offer so many benefits. So happy that I could help. Wishing both of you all the best of success and please let me know how it goes. Have a good day.